It’s not until I settle behind my desk that it appears. Via text message.
Jameson
Miss Hunter, as I stated earlier today, please contact my assistant if you need anything from me.
Also, as I’m sure you expected, your employee contract with the janitorial company is officially terminated.
DERELICT (N.):
SOMETHING OR SOMEONE WHO IS ABANDONED, SUCH AS A SHIP LEFT TO DRIFT AT SEA OR A HOMELESS PERSON IGNORED BY FAMILY AND SOCIETY.
JAMESON
Three Days Later
“Because she’s a disappointment… and I don’t like discussing my weaknesses.”
Lucas’s words are still floating through my mind, along with the unwanted vision of Scarlett’s beautiful face.
Her perfect smile…
No matter how many cold showers I force myself to take, how many dockets I force myself to read, or how many times I stare out my window in the dead of night, memories of Scarlett remain.
She smiles at me in my office whenever I look up from my work, begging me to talk for “just one more hour.”
When I arrive home, she sits up on my couch and beckons me to come closer with her alluring hazel gaze.
And now, in the middle of what’s supposed to be an effortless and easy case, Scarlett is sitting on the edge of the witness box—glaring at me as I check my phone.
“Did Mr. Tate offer you any special privileges or deals in exchange for your testimony today?” Julia’s “I’m trying too hard to be a prosecutor” voice breaks me out of my thoughts.
“I don’t understand the question,” my witness says.
“It’s a simple yes-or-no one, sir.” She crosses her arms. “Is Mr. Tate paying you for your testimony today?”
“Define paying…” He shrugs. “I’m not sure what you’re implying by that.”
“You’re a forensic expert,” she says. “Are you attending this hearing out of the goodness of your heart?”
“I had a heart transplant last year, so I don’t think that metaphor really works right now…”
“No further questions for this witness, Your Honor.” She rolls her eyes. “The state rests.”
“Redirect?” The judge looks at me.
“No, Your Honor.” I stand. “I don’t believe I?—”
“Permission for a brief sidebar with the defense?” Julia interrupts me.
“Make it very brief.” The judge looks at his watch, and Julia walks over to my table.
“What the hell is wrong with you this morning, Jameson?” She hisses under her breath. “Are you alive?”
“Obviously…”
“I was literally badgering your witness, bringing up things that are outside the scope, and you didn’t yell 'Objection!' once.”
“So, you’re finally admitting that you’re a terrible prosecutor?”
